NPA Scottish Bagpipes

Set at SCQF levels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, the National Progression Award (NPA) in Scottish Bagpipes provides a progression route for candidates who are learning to play the bagpipes, taking them from beginner stages to an advanced level. This practical-based qualification covers the knowledge pipers need for performing in Scottish pipe bands and offers a consistent approach to the study of bagpipes in Scotland and internationally.

The NPA has been developed in partnership with the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB) and is available in specialist centres.

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Why deliver this qualification

This nationally certificated NPA allows maximum flexibility in the way it is delivered and assessed. It can be delivered as regular, weekly sessions in schools or as short intensive courses in piping and pipe band organisations, or in other extra-curricular contexts.

Providers must have access to the full range of expertise and resources necessary to deliver the content of each NPA.

Study can be tailored to suit a pace and style determined by the candidate.

The Unit content is aligned to long-established standards to enhance the status of Scottish bagpipe music and to maintain and raise standards in Scotland and abroad.

Who does this qualification suit

The NPA in Scottish Bagpipes is intended for candidates interested in bagpipe music, including: pipers who are involved in solo playing or members of pipe bands; Armed Forces personnel; Army Cadet Force and University Officer Training personnel; education authorities in Scotland, the wider UK and internationally; other piping and pipe band organisations in Scotland; affiliated and other piping and pipe band organisations in other countries; and skills development organisations.

The Award prepares candidates for further study and develops the skills required to play the bagpipes to a high standard.

Access

Access to the NPA in Scotland and in other countries will be through these SQA approved assessment centres: College of Piping, National Piping Centre, Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming, and Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

There is also scope for access through education authorities, Further Education colleges and Higher Education institutions.

Progression

The NPA in Scottish Bagpipes provides progression routes to the full range of mainstream music options. Beginners would enter at SCQF level 2 and advance through to level 6 and then to the PDAs at SCQF levels 7 and 8. Successful candidates could ultimately progress to a degree in Traditional Music.

The Award could lead to employment opportunities in teaching Scottish pipes or other forms of music; the music and entertainment industry in general; the Scottish Police Service (all Scottish Forces have pipe bands); the Armed Forces; and the bagpipe manufacturing industry.

Approval

Centres will have to come forward for approval and should contact the Business Development Team for guidance in completing the combined CA1/SA1 form.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements as outlined in the guide to approval.

How to assess

Assessment will follow procedures approved by the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board, available from the PDQB website.

Assessment for the NPA is through a series of practical and theoretical tasks. Assessment must be carried out in front of an approved assessor as individual assessments or combined in a single assessment event/performance.

Although the primary focus of the NPA is in a practical area, centres are encouraged to make use of electronic resources where possible. This may include the use of video, websites and internet services such as Skype.

Other information

Assessment Support Packs (ASPs) for all Units are available to download from SQA’s secure website.

Support material is available from piping or pipe band organisations. Sample test papers covering aspects of theory at all levels are available from the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board. These are available for use as part of instructional programmes or for candidates who wish to take the assessments direct.

Centres must supply a letter of support. from the Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board (PDQB). Please contract the PDQB direct via the following weblink for further information - http://www.pdqb.org/